Author
Topic: Introduction (Read 5213 times)

I just joined at the recommendation of a friend. I'm located in New Jersey in the U.S. I also post at several other sites and groups. I am a relative newbie, only been involved in machining for about 18 months. I have a 7x14 mini-lathe, a mini-mill (just recently converted to belt drive), band saw, and much of the assorted other goodies those of our addiction, uh, I mean, hobby, seem to accumulate. I'm looking forward to participating here and learning a lot. I understand you're all mad. I should fit right in.

Ah... someone who knows there's a difference between Central, North and South NJ! I'm from central New Jersey; I live a few miles from Rutgers stadium. That would be exit 9 on the NJ Turnpike!

Hmmm... "what are you going to use those machines for?" That's exactly the question my wife asked me when I started buying them. I actually have a sort of fanatic desire to be able to make whatever I need when I'm repairing something, and that was my first reason. I had a little experience with machine tools from a job in my 20s, and really enjoyed it. So far, I've made mostly tools, accessories, modifications, etc. to the machine tools themselves. I've also made a few other projects, including a sort of flying-saucer-shaped desk magnifier for an astronomy buff friend. Right now I'm converting an old drill press minus motor that a friend gave me into a tapping stand. I was always interested in building some kind of small steam engines, something like that, and will probably spend some time on that when I retire in a few years.

Ah. I see from your profile that you're actually FROM New Jersey. Which area?

A group of NJ hobby machinists from another site have been getting together to see each others' shops, trade ideas and extra goodies, and generally kibitz every month or two. You are welcome to join us for the next outing. I'll send you a PM (I assume there are PMs here somewhere) when we set the next date. We met in Roseland the week before last and in Middlesex County about six weeks before that. Roseland was only our second meeting so we're just getting started. Hope you can make it!

Eric, David D was referring to forums like the Yahoo "7x12 Minilathe Group", Eric. That's often the first port of call for those who have bought one in high expectations, then find they need a bit of help getting it to work as it should.

BTW, and did I see recently that you are in New Jersey? If so, one of the 7x12ers recently posted something which might be of interest, if it's not too far south of you. See below.

Andy

"Just came across a great source of cheap materials, used machines (BIG ones) and endless nuts bolts chucks reamers drills…you name it. Spent 3 hrs there today and barely touched the surface. This is def a local thing – best for anybody who lives near here. Got a nice bit o’ brass, AL and some thick Plexiglas as well as some drill rod and a couple little angle plates. I think if one digs long enough you might find anything!

"About 20 miles east of Philadelphia. Tom and brother Jim run the place – been there 28 years."

Hi, Andy,

I *just* saw that and emailed it to a couple of buddies! That's only about an hour or so from me, and would certainly be worth the drive. I'm trying to get a couple of machining buddies interested for a little road trip...

I've been to Fazzios in Wall (it's a branch location) but their scrap collection is minimal... I bought some square tubing there for a project I made for my daughter. If you need new material, they have everything!